Two community theater groups seek local actors for timeless plays

March 25, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Local actors looking to stretch their skills can check out two upcoming opportunities from community theater groups in the Mad River Valley and Waterbury. 

The Valley Players in Waitsfield are looking to stage their first Shakespeare production this summer and auditions for “As You Like It” this Sunday, March 30, and Tuesday, April 1. 

In Waterbury, the newly formed New Stage Players are planning a read-through of the American classic play “Our Town” at the Waterbury Public Library on April 11. 

‘As You Like It’

Actors age 17 and older are invited to audition at The Valley Players Theater on Main Street (Rt. 100) in Waitsfield this Sunday at 4 p.m. and at 6 p.m. on April 1. Interested candidates may try out for any role as the show is gender-flexible. 

“As You Like It” is one of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedies set in the Forest of Arden, where characters discover love, identity, and forgiveness. Rosalind, disguised as a boy, flees with her cousin and the court jester to escape court politics. In the forest, she encounters her love Orlando, who doesn’t recognize Rosiland in her disguise. The story weaves comedic misunderstandings, philosophical musings, and a love triangle, culminating in reconciliations,  revealed identities, and multiple weddings, celebrating love’s transformative power and the joy of self-discovery. 

This production marks the first time the Valley Players will present a play by Shakespeare in their 45-year history. It will be directed by local playwright and director, Jeanne Beckwith.  Actors coming to audition do not need to prepare anything -- audition sides will be provided. Once the cast is chosen, rehearsals will be three times a week starting in April, with specific dates to be determined. 

The show is scheduled for weekends, June 26-July 13. More information including a character list and audition form is online at valleyplayers.com.

‘Our Town’ 

Poster courtesy of the New Stage Players

A workshop-like event is being planned by the New Stage Players and the Waterbury Public Library for Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. 

Community members are invited to join in a reading of the American classic, “Our Town” by Thorton Wilder. The Pulitzer-winning play has been a favorite of audiences with translations in 30 countries and performances presented since its Broadway run in 1938.

Its themes still resonate with audiences nearly 90 years later in its portrayal of small-town American life as it explores the importance of simplicity, appreciation, love, family, and the cyclical nature of humanity.

New Stage Players welcomes all who would like to have a role in reading the script, hearing the play, and/or joining the discussion afterward. There are roles for all ages and abilities. No knowledge of the play or acting experience is necessary to participate.

Casting will begin at 6:30 p.m. so the reading can start at 7 p.m. in the Steele Room at the Waterbury Municipal Building.  

The library will have copies of the play to loan ahead of the reading. There also is a study guide for the play. Email info.acrossroads@gmail.com to receive it in advance. 

Light refreshments will be served at this free event and the public is invited.

New Stage Players is a new community theater company in Waterbury committed to developing theater makers in our community and telling stimulating stories of new and reimagined work that is inclusive and entertaining and resonates with audiences in an intimate theatrical setting. 

Registration is not required to participate in the reading, but it’s encouraged to help organizers plan. To do so and for more information email info.acrossroads@gmail.com or call 802-244-4168.

Sponsored by Across Roads Center for the Arts & Grange Hall Cultural Center.